Recent News

Six East Central University faculty members were recognized with promotions during “An Evening of Employee Recognition” on April 26 in the ECU Foundation Hall of the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Nanette Schmitt, tenure in education; Dr. Taryn Chubb, tenure and promotion to associate professor of art; Dr. Jenna Owens, tenure and promotion to associate professor of political science and legal studies; Dr. Janna Byrd, promotion to associate professor of human resources; Dr.

East Central University granted bachelor’s degrees to 466 candidates and master’s degrees to 166 more during ECU’s 2016 Spring Commencement Ceremonies Saturday, May 7, at the Kerr Activities Center.

The keynote speakers were distinguished alums Frank W. Davis, a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and Jim Spencer, a chief meteorologist and weathercaster for KXAN-TV in Austin, Texas.

The East Central University Department of Music will forming a summer community band with Monday rehearsals from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., May 16-June 20, in the Kennedy Band Hall of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.

That will be followed up by a concert, Sunday, June 26 at 3 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre of the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.

East Central University’s Veterans Upward Bound Program, in the spirit of “A Day of Remembrance,” will host Veterans and Military Appreciation Day at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, at the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.

Events actually begin at 9 a.m. with vendor tables.

The program will feature guest speaker Waco Blakely, OEF/OIF veteran, who is transition patient advocate at the Oklahoma City V.A. Medical Center and president of “Honoring America’s Warriors.” Also on the program will be the presentation of the Bret D. Isenhower Scholarship.

The East Central University College Republicans, working with Chair of the Pontotoc County Republicans Tara Mullins, is hosting a forum for State Senate District 13 candidates on Thursday, May 12, at 6 p.m. in the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center. The forum, open to the public, will include the three Republican candidates – Jet McCoy, Greg McCortney and Shawn Howard. A meet and greet session will take place prior to event at 5 p.m.

Showing the successful ability in conducting research, some East Central University biology students were honored at the recent Tri Beta South Central Regional Convention in Cedar Hills, Texas. Morgan Mackey, of Choctaw, took first place for her oral presentation and Kimberly Condry, of Wagoner, placed second in the poster competition. Melissa Penton, of Porter, was named region secretary for Tri-Beta. There were a total of 180 students from about 30 colleges and universities from Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community
interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area,
East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.